Jeju Island is the largest island among some 3,000 islands surrounding Korea. Located in the Pacific Ocean just off the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, its historic isolation from the mainland contributed to the Jeju Island peoples' distinct dialect and lifestyle. Of volcanic origin, the island has a rugged topography of hills, gorges, and waterfalls. Due to its subtropical climate and the unique lifestyles and customs of its people, tourism is the region's most active industry.

Recognized as the best-preserved area in the nation, Jeju Island is Korea's only island province. Known as "Little Hawaii" for its volcanic landscape, picturesque subtropical scenery, sandy beaches, waterfalls, and hiking trails, it is one of the world's top ten tourist attractions with over four million annual visitors.

Jeju Island enjoys a semitropical climate, with its plants and landscape being remarkably different from those of the mainland. It is also the natural habitat of over 2,000 different species of animals. Its principal mountain is the 1,950-meter-high Mt. Halla, a dormant volcano with a large crater at its peak. Lava flow from this volcano (last active in 1007) created many tunnels, pillars, and other unusual underground features formed by the quickly-cooled basalt. Some favorite destinations include the Jeju Folkcraft and Natural History Museum, the Jungmun Resort, Cheon-jiyeon Falls, and the Jeju Fantasy Gardens.